David Freeman, a professor of philosophy about to reach fifty, is tired of life. His only desire now is to control the timing and manner of his death. His plans for “self-deliverance”, however, are disturbed by the earthly demands of people around him. His friend, Ronnie, facing dismissal over an affair with a student, needs his support; Laura, an American with unorthodox views on “organ distribution”, wants to talk kidneys; Margaret, the librarian, wants his love; and Joanna, an abrasive journalist, hounds him for his views on his ex-wife’s unsparing autobiography. Does David get to carry out his plan or does